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Next, please reboot your computer in Safe Mode by doing the following:1) Restart your computer2) After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, press F8.3) Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu should appear4) Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode.

2. Click on "Proceed"3. Click on "Scan Now"4. Deselect "Search for negligible risk entries" as negligible risk entries (MRU's) are not considered to be a threat.5. Select "Search for low-risk threats"6. Run the scanner using the Full Scan (Perform full system scan) mode.9. When the scan has completed, select Next.10. In the Scanning Results window, select the "Scan Summary" tab.11. Check the box next to every "target family" for removal.12. Click "Next", Click "OK".13. Exit Ad-aware.

Run CleanUp! and reboot normally into normal mode when it prompts you to.

Enable System Restore;

1. Click Start.2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.3. Click the System Restore tab.4. Uncheck the "Turn off System Restore" check box.5. Click Apply, and then click "OK".

System Restore will now be active again. Be sure to set a new restore point.

How to use Spybot to remove Spyware<=If you suspect that you have spyware installed on your computer, here are instructions on how to download, install and then use Spybot. Similar to Ad-Aware, I strongly recommend both to catch most spyware.

Prevention Programs:

Spywareblaster<=SpywareBlaster will prevent spyware from being installed. (My favourite)

MVPS Hosts file<=The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer

Google Toolbar<=Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.

Other necessary Programs:

AntiVirus Program<=An AntiVirus program is a must! Whether it is a free version like AVG or Anti-Vir, or a shareware version like Norton or Kaspersky, this is a must have.

dmcbass

Posted 16 August 2005 - 01:55 PM

dmcbass

Member

Topic Starter

Member

109 posts

Thank you so much for all your help. I was preparing to do a format and clean install. You saved me so much work.

Ad-Aware, I use it religiously and keep it updated
SpyBot, I use it often but not as much as As-Aware
I have just installed SpywareBlaster and I update it daily
I just added the MVPS Hosts file
I use Norton AV 2003 and run Liveupdate daily
I am behind a router and I use the XP Firewall
I will install Firefox

Infestation started last Friday as I was researching Aquarium Plants for my son's new aquarium. I landed on a site and all heck broke loose.

And now thanks to you, I have my PC back. Can't tell you how much I appreciate your time and assistance. I will make a donation to the cause.